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Having also won the 1977 FA Cup with Manchester United and featured at two World Cups with Northern Ireland, McGovern enjoyed listening to Nicholl during international breaks.

“It’s a clever move from Rangers because you’ve got Graeme Murty who is a young coach and Jimmy could complement him with his wealth of experience," Northern Ireland keeper McGovern told the Daily Record.

“He has obviously been at Rangers as a player during a fantastic career that also saw him play for Manchester United and at the World Cup with Northern Ireland.

“His CV means he will command instant respect from all the players in the dressing room and he’s a really positive influence about the place.

Northern Ireland assistant boss Jimmy Nicholl (Image: Getty)

“He’s a great storyteller and I’d often sit and have a cup of tea with him, listening to his tales.

“He has told me about Rangers and Graeme Souness and also Manchester United.

“I’m sure he’d be absolutely made up to be going back there.

“Jimmy spoke after Euro 2016 how he had gone from putting out the kits as Cowdenbeath manager to the European Championships in such a short space of time.

“And now to be going to Rangers is fantastic and I’m sure he’ll be really looking forward to getting started.

“Jimmy was massive for us in France because he was the only member of our entire squad and backroom staff who had been to a major tournament as he played at two World Cups.

“He had a fantastic career – Manchester United, Rangers and two World Cups – and we were able to talk to him about aspects of travelling to a competition.